An Artist's Perspective: Mikel Elam on Humor

Image: Mikel Elam

Humor

1. The quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech.

2. A mood or state of mind.

Most of us have some idea of humor, whether we use it or not. Humor can bring us moments of joy in less-than-joyful moments. It can also enhance the good times. While there is some humor which can be used in a mean, derogatory way, others use it in satire. Humor can help relieve stress or transport us to a happier place, perhaps through a memory or simply by altering our perception. Humor is perception.

Two people can see an incident in very different ways.

Recently, I was having coffee with a friend. He was seated at a table. As I walked towards the table, I was concentrating on not spilling my coffee. I did not see the leg of a chair extending into my path. I stumbled. Nothing radical happened. I was able to keep my coffee from spilling and not disturb others. He started to laugh almost uncontrollably, which I found disturbing because his laughter continued for what seemed to be minutes. I imagined what his laughter might have been like if I had actually fallen. It was clear my upbringing was different from his. I was taught one never laughs at the perils of another.

I have seen this online.

Sometimes, on social media

Someone has fallen - often a fall, which could have caused harm. It’s caught on video. The video goes viral. The comments have very little compassion or concern for the victim. The humor of the incident was the common thread for everyone who viewed it. Perhaps this is our world now.

There are many in the world with whom we can disagree. Many in the world don’t have any concerns for our well-being. It’s sad. We want to mock the oppressors. We have experienced these dark moments throughout history. Sometimes people get through them by joking about the grim state of life. Most of the time, we don’t get through them unscathed. Ie, Slavery and The Holocaust.

So many years thereafter of intergenerational trauma. So many stories of suffering. Elders soothing the children through humor, mostly wanting to prolong the children's innocence. Many times, this is just a momentary escape into the mind. A way of pushing back or standing ground against an overpowering malignancy.

Our modern-day comedians are a testament to both darkness and light. We read, watch films, and listen to music from the great masters who are clever in re-enacting dark history. There is no one place where humor can’t find its way into our visionary journey. Even self-loathing and negative feelings about life have turned into laughter.

Humor is entertainment.

Humor is a chronicle of our times. Humor can embody intelligence, sensitivity, love, and solutions to big problems. We can delve into the mind of the humorist who knows how to connect with us through words, images, or even musicality. Humor is a common thread that places us all in the human race. While some may take themselves quite seriously, humor can be the great equalizer. It lets us know that we are not better or worse. We are the same.

Hopefully, my pain and my joy can be shared with your less-than-perfect moments as well as your triumphs. We share because we are in this together.

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Mkel Elam

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am in search of my higher consciousness, all within the constraints of this part melanin-based vessel. Some say we arrive out of the womb already aware of our destiny. I have always gravitated towards future ideas: new approaches and ways of looking at things. I’ve been searching for humanity within the sea of infinite compassion. Simply trying to get closer to the divine. I meditate twice a day. I try to nourish my body and my soul with proper sustenance. My art practice is a continuation of these values. This often leads me to make observations about this life and its consequences.

I love all of the art forms. I am most adept with pigments and painting devices. I listen to music, watch films, and read constantly. However, when starting a painting, I work in silence. It gives me better clarity in developing a dialogue and a narrative within the art itself. Once the work can stand on its own, I can begin introducing external sounds to continue my practice.

I would say my work's most recurring theme is identity, especially in these times filled with animosity toward the skin that many of my brothers and sisters inhabit. It is within this framework that my paintings are born. The art, for me, is both an evaluation and validation of our existence. We exist. We are beautiful. We are powerful and humane. We are love.

Contact Information: mikelartist39@gmail.com